> Title: Need to declare and develop Gingee town in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu as a tourist centre. SHRI M. KRISHNASSWAMY (ARANI): I would like to draw the attention of the Government regarding the dire need to develop Gingee Town in Viluppuram District, which is 130 kms. from Chennai as a tourist Centre. The Gingee Town and its surrounding areas were ruled by one king from North-Desing Raja and he built a fort and palaces on the top of the mountain. He ruled the entire territory for certain period. This place is now being maintained by the Archeological Department and it is situated on the National Highway between Pondicherry and Krishnagiri. Near the National Highway, there are two mountains and on which two palaces have been built called − Rani palace and Raja Palace respectively. He had one faithful Lieutenant called Mohammed Khan. When the invasion of Arcot Nawab took place, Mohammed Khan sacrificed his life for his friend Desing Raja in the battle. This place is a symbol for secularism where Hindus, Islams, Jains and other communities are living peacefully. To declare this place as a tourism centre, a request has been made. The file is now pending with the State Government of Tamil Nadu. If this place is developed as a tourism centre, it will be like another Mahabalipuram and will attract the foreign tourists as it is very near to Chennai City. Therefore, I urge the Government of India, to study the place and declare Gingee town as a tourist centre so that it will attract more tourists and fetch revenue by providing cable car between the two mountains. .